Crime
Leaked Epstein Emails Allegedly Expose Private Discussions with Journalist Michael Wolff on Managing Trump’s Reported Ties to Epstein
NEW YORK — Newly surfaced emails purportedly linked to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein are raising renewed questions about potential connections between Epstein and former President Donald Trump, though the documents remain unverified by any major news outlet or independent authority.
According to the alleged correspondence, which has circulated online as part of the latest purported “Epstein files,” Epstein and journalist Michael Wolff appeared to exchange private emails discussing how to manage public scrutiny surrounding Trump’s past associations with Epstein.
In one alleged 2019 message, Epstein reportedly wrote to Wolff:
“Trump said he asked me to resign, never a member ever. Of course, he knew about the girls as he asked Ghislaine to stop.”
The statement appears to reference incidents at Mar-a-Lago, Trump’s private Florida estate, and implies the former president may have been aware of Epstein’s illicit activities involving underage girls.
However, no independent evidence has been presented to verify the claim.
Another alleged exchange from 2015 purportedly shows Wolff advising Epstein on a media strategy regarding Trump’s comments about their past association.
“I think you should let him hang himself. If he says he hasn’t been on the plane or to the house, that gives you valuable PR and political currency… He can hang himself in a way that potentially generates a positive benefit for you,” the email reads.
The same set of messages also suggests that CNN had been preparing to question Trump about Epstein during a live interview or press event, though this too remains unsubstantiated.
Experts and media analysts are cautioning the public to approach the alleged leaks with skepticism.
Cybersecurity professionals note the potential for deepfake text forgeries or manipulated files to emerge from online “data dumps” tied to the ongoing release of Epstein-related materials.
If authenticated, the emails could represent a major political revelation. However, in the absence of verification, they remain speculative and potentially misleading.
As of now, no official agency, court, or credible media organization has confirmed the authenticity of the alleged communications.
WALLACE, Idaho — Shoshone County Sheriff William Eddy has confirmed that the suspect involved in Friday’s shooting at the Shoshone County Sheriff’s Office was John Drake, 77, who was fatally shot by law enforcement inside the building.
According to authorities, the investigation into the incident remained ongoing as of Saturday.
Law enforcement officials confirmed they have been in contact with Drake’s wife, Clare Drake, who is cooperating fully with investigators.
She told authorities she was unaware that Drake had left the home or intended to carry out the actions that led to the shooting.
Sheriff Eddy stated that Drake was generally supportive of law enforcement and had minimal prior contact with police.
Investigators do not believe Drake was targeting a specific individual inside the building, though officials acknowledged that the motive may ultimately remain unclear.
Authorities reported that Drake entered the sheriff’s office at approximately 2:40 p.m. Friday.
He remained inside the facility for about 90 minutes, spending most of his time in the public lobby, the jail visiting area, and the courtroom.
During the incident, multiple rounds were fired, leaving bullet damage throughout the building.
Everyone inside the facility took shelter as the situation unfolded. Investigators believe three law enforcement officers discharged their weapons during the response.
According to law enforcement briefings, two civilian bystanders were injured outside the sheriff’s office when Drake allegedly fired through the windshield of a vehicle, striking one woman seated in the front and another in the back.
A source familiar with the incident said the two injured bystanders were transported to a local hospital by a family member.
Authorities further reported that the suspect continued firing at the vehicle as it fled the scene toward the hospital. Both bystanders sustained gunshot wounds to their legs and were treated for non-life-threatening injuries.
In addition, a Kellogg police officer sustained a minor injury after being struck in the ear by glass while stationed in the dispatch center, which shares a window with the sheriff’s office lobby. That officer was also transported to a hospital for treatment.
During a press conference in Wallace, officials confirmed that two bystanders and one law enforcement officer were injured in the shooting.
Authorities stated that the suspect was in the lobby when he was fat see shot by police.
In a separate release, the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) said the active shooter was first reported at 2:40 p.m., and after a multi-agency response, the suspect was neutralized by approximately 5:00 p.m. KCSO confirmed there is no ongoing threat to the community.
Despite the absence of an active danger, officials continue to urge the public to avoid the downtown Wallace area while the investigation proceeds. Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris confirmed that the suspect died at the scene.
Multiple agencies responded to the incident, including sheriff’s offices from surrounding counties.
The Mineral County Sheriff’s Office announced it sent additional personnel to assist and reiterated calls for the public to stay clear of the area.
The Idaho Transportation Department also reported that the Interstate 90 eastbound off-ramp at Exit 62 near Wallace was temporarily closed as part of the law enforcement response.
Authorities have not released additional details regarding the suspect’s motive and said further updates will be provided as the investigation continues.